Exactly seven days ago I left my three loves to fend for themselves and flew to New York City. A brief two night adventure to meet up with some other wonderful women who like me love to share on their blogs a passion for food and family. It was a last minute trip taken on a whim and the post about this adventure has turned out to be one of the most difficult I have ever written. Not because it wasn’t fun, quite the opposite. Because it was so all encompassing for me on so many levels that I really want to make sure that I do it justice.
My flight arrived later than expected due to some thunderstorms that rolled through most of the NC and SC coast but it worked out perfectly. My lovely roommates Kristen & Robyn met up with me at our hotel the Le Parker Meridien as they were ending their busy days. Robyn was in NY for the BlogHer convention as well as the event I had flown in for. Kristen, well we all twisted her arm over Twitter to come and have fun with us. This gave her the opportunity to attend to some other exciting business for her blog.
The Le Parker Meridien was gorgeous and very eclectic. A mix of modern and exotic old world. My favorite part was the Ventian/Moroccan lounge off the main lobby. There has always been something about velvets, paisleys and coffered ceilings that have appealed to me.
After settling in and meeting the girls the next item on my agenda was food! I was starving. There was no way that I was going to snack on the plane when I knew that in only an hour I would be in a city filled with the most wondrous options when it came to cuisine. Falafels, Italian, 4 star restaurants, bakeries, hidden burger joints behind curtains you name it New York City has it. Rather than letting me go off on my own foraging for sustenance, my darling new buddies twisted my arm and dragged me off to an amazing fun filled roof top gathering instead. With food.
An uncommonly light cool breeze surrounded us. Scrumptious, mouthwatering appetizers were passed around while the sun set over the city. There was a perfect peek of the harbor through a couple of buildings; cool blue water licked with flames, framed by industrial steel. The whole setting was serene and inviting. Just the place to unwind from a long flight and meet new friends.
Of course I ended up devouring gobs of buttery crab stuffed mushrooms, vegetable spring rolls and numerous other decadent yummies. If by chance you are reading this, were at that gathering as well and are wondering where were those mushrooms and spring rolls…ummm disregard that last sentence entirely. Stuffed mushrooms? Spring rolls? Who? What?
Friday evening was the the epitome of my little two day adventure to meet new people. A delicious hint of what was to come.
The following morning bright and early, after closing down said rooftop gathering in the wee hours of the morning Kristen, Robyn and I met up with Amy and Alice. We headed out of NY on a road trip into breathtaking Bucks County, PA. to the home of the Anderson Family. Pam, Maggy and Sharon of Three Many Cooks along with Erika of Ivory Hut had put together an informal event for east coast bloggers called The Big Summer Potluck.
Five ladies, three electronic mapping devises, two states, multiple quick fire interchanges and lots of laughter later we arrived at the Anderson home only 15 minutes late. Amy can drive me anywhere, anytime… she was amazingly patient with all of the interchanges and traffic. If we had stopped to take photos of every picturesque stone cottage or to peruse all of the antique shops we passed along the way, you would see our husbands on CNN forming search parties. A leisurely trip back with a truck is a must.
When we arrived we were greeted by a beautifully simple,wood and metal infused modern cottage set in a clearing surrounded by lush shade trees. For me the solitude and peace emanating there would carry throughout the entire gathering and lingers with me still. In a living room banked with windows, streaming in light and warmth we mingled. Getting to know each other over coffee, scones and muffins. Some of us had spoken to each other through blog comments or on Twitter but there were many of us who had never even heard of each other until this day. It was such a joy to meet other enthusiastic, like minded fellow bloggers.
After mingling a bit Maggy, Sharon and Pam got the day rolling with introductions and their plans for how the day would progress. They had lined up guest speakers and tutorials on recipe development/writing, food styling, photography, photoshop, Q & A and a keynote speech from Alice of Savory Sweet Life.
Brief Overview of Our Schedule
Pam Anderson– Recipe Development: How to Make a Recipe Your Own
Abby Dodge– Cooking Demo: Orange-Scented White Choc. Raspberry Mousse
Pam Anderson-It’s personal: How to Write Your Own Recipes
Melissa DeMayo-Food Styling on the Fly
Erika Pineda-Photography: Basics, Shooting & Post Processing
Jason Fox & Christina Reilly– Auritt Communications Group: Culinary Green Room (discussing the future of SEO and culinary videos)
Alice Currah-Keynote Speaker: “Being true to yourself and your voice will always create a lasting love affair with your blog and it’s readers”
All Spectacular Thumbnail Photos were taken by Erika of Ivory Hut
As you can see Erika, Maggy, Sharon & Pam had planned this event out in detail. A lavish breakfast, over the top lunch and sweets for tea time. Being a potluck comprised of food bloggers, most everyone brought something of course. I’ll save my story on what I made for later. Our hostesses didn’t miss a beat. They also had us well covered on all topics pertaining to blogging that you could possibly wish to know. I for one, being a naive newbie to everything blog related, thoroughly absorbed everything possible. It was like walking into a round table meeting of artists that have had their work displayed in galleries for years. Because if I learned only one thing this past weekend these women/ men are artists in their own way and right.
They are as passionate about their craft (photography, food, recipe development, writing, web design, etc..) as any novelist, painter, architect or chef. I was always under the impression that blogs were basically another aspect/forum so to speak of ones journal and they are. For some people though they are so much more. Their blogs are the living, pulsing embodiment of their creative soul that needs to be feed, released and expressed.
Being allowed the privilege to experience and observe all that these talented women (and men) had to share has been so moving for me. Pam, Abby, Melissa, Erika, Alice, Maggy, Sharon, Christina and Jason didn’t just share their accumulated wealth of knowledge in their respective areas. They shared their joy of what is a phenomenal and yet supportive industry; that blogging is about community. Alice’s speech alone was beyond inspirational, it still resonates with me and has me filled with joy.
I personally walked away from Big Summer Potluck with a feeling of bliss, peace and renewed creative direction. So ladies and gentlemen from the bottom of my heart thank you! I am honored to call you all my new friends and I wouldn’t miss another Big Summer Potluck for anything.
My short trip evolved into an experience of encompassing warmth, friendship and inspiration. I am sure that I will be talking about this trip with you all more as time goes on. In the meantime have a good evening and I look forward to sharing all that I have learned, spreading my creative wings with Tickled Red and bringing you all along for the many adventures.
Xoxo,
Tickled Red
August 13, 2010 at 4:08 pm
So fun remembering it all through your words! Wasn’t it a cool time?!? Can’t wait to do it all over again next year.
August 14, 2010 at 6:53 am
It was such a cool mello time. I had so much fun hanging out with you. You ladies are sweeties and make me smile the most. Can’t wait for our next adventures.
August 13, 2010 at 4:11 pm
What a great post, Red. I loved reading it!
August 14, 2010 at 6:55 am
Thanks Amber 🙂 Next time it will hopefully be longer and we can all talk a bit more. I had so much fun meeting everyone.
August 13, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Beautiful love! I too agonized all week over what to write, how to write it & what angle to choose! You did a lovely heartfelt post! So happy that the “blogging world” has brought you into my life!
August 14, 2010 at 6:57 am
Thanks so much love!! It was such a moving, memorable fun day. I know…I could just squeeze you 🙂 Not to mention we are Leo Sisters.
August 13, 2010 at 4:25 pm
And yet another reason that I knew I was going to love you – even before we met in person. Reading all the posts that have been written about this event – the emotions, discoveries and ‘take-aways’ the others experienced, put me in such a place of gratitude that the tears wouldn’t stop all day this past Monday; add your post to the list. You’ve captured the day perfectly and you’ve captured my heart & friendship – looking forward to many more adventures with TickledRed! Hugs!
August 14, 2010 at 7:00 am
🙂 ❤ I think that you are fabulous! I know what you mean I was tearing up as I left. All you you are such amazing passionate, talented people. It was truly an honor. You have my heart & friendship as well love. I can't wait for all of adventures to come.
August 13, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Wow, what a fabulous experience! I am so jealous! 🙂
August 14, 2010 at 7:01 am
Oh darlin’ you so have to fly out for their next one! You would love it and everyone would love you. You are one of those blogging artist is was thinking about when I wrote this. xoxoxo
August 13, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Take what you got out of our day together and spread those creative wings!
August 14, 2010 at 7:02 am
You as well love!! I can’t wait to get a chance to talk to you more in depth next time.
August 13, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Fantastic job, I could picture myself right there with you. As I have said before you are such a creative writer. You need to expand that talent into something. I am so happy that you went. Look at all of the new friends you made and can now include in your blogs. Can’t wait to read more about your exciting adventures in New York/PA.
August 14, 2010 at 7:03 am
I love you 🙂 Thanks for “kicking” me out the door and making me go. xoxoxo
August 13, 2010 at 7:48 pm
It sounds so fun! I wish I could have been there with you guys! Next year next year!
August 14, 2010 at 7:06 am
Oh darlin’ you have to come out next time.I would love to meet you and talk food, kids and redhead quirks. I’ll babysit while you mingle and meet everyone {giggle}
August 14, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Yay! Awesome, I’m there!
August 13, 2010 at 8:03 pm
such a great post! it’s clear that blogging authentically is already your strong point. it was so great to meet you last weekend!
August 14, 2010 at 7:07 am
{BLUSH} You are so sweet! I had so much fun meeting you and loved hearing what you had to say.
August 13, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Lovely recap! I am so enjoying reading through everyone’s posts and reliving it all through the pictures.
August 14, 2010 at 7:08 am
Thanks so much! I am too and they all seem to resonate how we connected. This truly was a gathering of friends.
August 13, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Wonderful trip and post! I am so upset I missed the Big Summer Potluck! It looks like you ladies had a fab time!
August 14, 2010 at 7:10 am
We did and you were definitely missed 🙂 I can’t wait to finally meet you at the next BSP. Keep in touch.
August 14, 2010 at 6:13 pm
I so enjoyed reading your post and meeting up with so many talented and enthusiastic bloggers. What a fabulous idea to have a Big Summer Potluck meet 🙂
Enjoying reading your posts, thanks.
Cheers
Anna
August 14, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Beautiful post; you’ve articulated the day the day so well! It was such a joy to meet you and to chat for a while, and I only wish we had even more time. I’m so glad we were able to meet, and I’m looking forward to following your blog and keeping in touch!! 🙂
August 15, 2010 at 9:54 am
I am sooo jealous! What a wonderful time you had. This sounds like such a fun event. The setting was beautiful and the food looks fabulous, and what fun speakers.
I hate that when my invitation gets lost in the mail!!!
August 18, 2010 at 6:55 am
What a gorgeous gorgeous home! I’m so bummed I had to miss the party….but look at all that foooooood!
August 18, 2010 at 10:15 am
Hey girlie! Man I’m so disappointed I couldn’t make it. In the end it all worked out though since I ended really sick that night and would have hated to pass my cold along to everyone else. I really looking forward to meeting you, but I suppose we’ll do so soon! Thanks for sharing your POV and the great food!!
August 21, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Love you, dear! I had soooooo much fun with you! Can’t wait until we can do it all again! 🙂
August 26, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Same here love!! I miss you all.
October 24, 2010 at 11:04 pm
[…] Pam Anderson and her family know all about time well spent in the kitchen. Creating not only their own long lasting memories full of joy but also some ingenious recipes that have evolved from their lively gatherings. Fortunately Pam, along with her incredible daughters Maggy and Sharon, share their culinary creations with us at Three Many Cooks. Pam also tickles our taste buds with her many sensational cookbooks. Her latest book Perfect One Dish Dinners (which is her second book to hit the NY Times best sellers list) has now become a weekly resource for my family inspiring some exquisite, yet deceptively easy meals. Especially for some of our Sundays gatherings. […]